Chapter 9: They Are Here

Vanguard Array. Astromark's largest fleet, unmatched by any other in the four nations.

As far as my eye can see, a formidable array of star cruisers, battleships, and support vessels dominate the expanse of space. At the far end, a barrier of plasma energy shields, created with the help of evenly arranged camouflage drones, stands tall.

A sigh escapes me as I recall its inevitable fate—destruction in three days. "Prince Yukline, standing on the Transit Bridge, you could perish at any moment. Please board the Caliburn," a voice echoes through the comm within the room.

Positioning myself a few meters away from the lead star cruiser Caliburn, I stand on the transit bridge. It connects all the cruisers and carriers with the array, akin to a battlement, retractable in case of offense.

"Should I be any different from the soldiers standing and guarding the fleet on this same bridge?"

Of course, I will be.

I am their Prince, Ryker Yukline.

The fiery red-haired man, concealed by his giant-like physique, shrugs. "You've grown a lot since I last saw you three years ago."

Three years ago? Oh, is it the time when Saffron was adopted into the royal family?

"If it's dangerous, that's all the more reason for me to be here. I have some skill with my mecha, and having a member of the royal family in a dangerous place will surely inspire the troops."

"I thank you for your help then."

This sly fox sees through my intentions, unlike the simple-minded lewd redhead.

"It's too early for thanks. Wait until we've defeated the monsters."

"Well, that's all well and good, but what should I do?"

I have the Quantum Pulse Rifle with me. Plus, I've been fighting repeatedly with the respawning Etheric Colossus to repel the Great Invasion.

Although I still can't see my status, I'm sure I'm over level 90. With the soldiers here in the fortress being around level 40, I'm strong enough to handle them with one hand.

But should I stand out?

An invasion like this is just the beginning. As the story progresses, many dangerous beings and monsters appear, making it a nightmare for the player.

Considering Saffron's rise as a candidate for ruler due to her achievements in the Great Invasion, it's not good to attract too much attention. It would make it difficult to live quietly away from the spotlight and outside of the main story.

Hmm... What should I do?

Ideally, the border soldiers would hold out, and I would just be there. That's the result I want, but...

While I was pondering, soldiers began to gather on the battlements. The vanguard of the horde was approaching us.

No, I should stand out...then disappear.

That's right, for now, I will try to stand out as much as possible.

Well, I can't be picky about the situation, either way.

Even though this is a game world, it's still a reality. My life and the lives of the soldiers are equally important. I can't sacrifice others for my own sake.

Deciding so, I stood at the edge of the transit bridge after getting into my Titanic Ravager.

Then, I aimed my rifle and fired a shapeshifting energy of plasma at the flying monsters coming towards us.

The roaring energy of blue and red pierced through the swarm of monsters like a comet. As they blasted, they looked like sparks from a fireworks display, and the burning monsters became one of the countless debris in space.

Upon turning around, I found the soldiers wide-eyed in astonishment.

It's embarrassing, but here goes.

"Listen up, brave soldiers of Astromark!" The public comm channel reverberates with my voice as our enemies, the Xylothrax, near us by a meter each second.

They are rather slow.

"Are you brave enough??"

"YES!!!"

Yeah, they're all listening to me with serious expressions.

I was worried about slipping up, but it seems like I was fretting over nothing.

"Do you see that horde of monsters over there? It's not just a thousand or two, but a multitude vast enough to fill our planet!"

"If we let them pass through this fleet, they will slaughter tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people! The powerless, the kind-hearted, your beloved families—everyone will perish as mere playthings in their hands!"

"But it won't come to that! Because the brave heroes gathered here will vanquish these wicked monsters!"

"Vanguard Array is the shield of this country, and ultimately, of humanity itself! No matter how many thousands or millions of monsters there are, there is nothing we can't handle!"

"Let justice be done, though the heavens fall!!!!"

At the end of the speech, all the soldiers raised their thrusters and let out a thunderous roar that shook the air.

My ears hurt, and my skin tingled. But I was satisfied with the excitement and fervor.

"All troops, take your positions!"

Following the command from General Lorenzo, the soldiers began to move busily.

Watching this scene, I approached General Lorenzo and spoke to him.

"General, what should I do?"

"Based on the skill you just demonstrated, Prince, it's clear you're quite the ranger. I'd like you to engage in ambush tactics."

So, he means I'm free to fight however I want. Understood.

"Got it."

"Thank you. But Prince, where and when did you acquire such strength?"

"I-I think it's better to discuss that later."

"I see. Well then."

With that, General Lorenzo went to issue instructions to his squad.

Hmm, I might raise some suspicion.

I could tell the truth, but saying something like "I defeated dungeon bosses left and right" would attract too much attention. Although it's necessary to stand out, I can't reveal too much about myself.

But for now, I need to deal with the massive horde of Xylothrax.

I aimed my Quantum Pulse Rifle towards the direction of the monsters.

[Target Located]

Boom!! Squeeze Boom!!